You can now create your own itineraries to guide your C&O Canal exploration, or you can copy one of ours! Learn more about Itineraries.
Wherever you find a strategic location to cross the Potomac River, history always seems to follow. Rowser’s Ford, near Lock 24, is no exception. Learn more.
Wherever you find a strategic location to cross the Potomac River, history always seems to follow. Rowser’s Ford, near Lock 24, is no exception.
On the evening of June 27, 1863, J.E.B. Stuart and 5,000 Confederate cavalrymen crossed the Potomac here—cutting between the northern advancing Union army and Washington. They seized the Canal between locks 23 and 24 with the intent of disrupting a major federal supply line. They damaged the lock gates, captured and burned Canal boats, and drained water from the Canal. Stuart’s brigades later marched on Rockville prior to Gettysburg, but his maneuvers deprived Lee of his eyes and ears in this very pivotal battle.
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Please visit the National Park Service website for the following information:
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There has been a lapse in appropriations, and a shutdown of the federal government is currently in effect. Much of the C&O Canal National Historical Park remains accessible to the public, however, the National Park Service is not able to operate as normal. Scheduled C&O Canal Trust events and Canal Quarters reservations will continue as scheduled.
Learn more about what the shutdown means for the C&O Canal National Historical Park.